Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Special Service Tool(s) Required

Removal

1. Turn ignition switch to OFF position and place steering column in unlocked position.

2. Remove wheel hub retainer.

3. Raise vehicle on a hoist.

4. Remove tire and wheel assembly.

5. NOTE: Make sure steering column is in unlocked position, and do not use a hammer to separate tie rod end from front wheel knuckle. Use extreme care not to damage boot seal.

Remove cotter pin from the tie rod end stud and remove slotted nut. Discard cotter pin and nut.

6. Using Tie Rod End Remover TOO L-3290-D or equivalent and Tie Rod End Remover Adapter T81-P3504-W, remove tie rod end from front wheel knuckle.

7. CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to remove the nut, or bearing and seal damage will result. Loosen the nut first, then remove nut from stud using the hex hold feature.

Remove stabilizer bar link from front shock absorber.

8. Remove disc brake caliper and wire in such a manner as to obtain working space. Do not allow disc brake caliper to separate from the front disc brake caliper anchor plate to prevent contamination of the disc brake guide pin journals. Do not allow disc brake caliper to hang from rear wheel brake hose. Remove front disc brake rotor.

9. Remove front anti-lock sensor mounting bolt and front brake anti-lock sensor. Position out of the way.











10. Remove and discard lower ball joint nut. Using Ball Joint Remover T96P-3010-A, separate lower ball joint from front suspension lower arm.

11. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Overextension of the tripod CV joint can result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the halfshaft.

Remove wheel hub retaining nut. Remove and discard front wheel hub and spindle-to-front shock absorber pinch bolt. (A drift punch may be used to remove bolt.)

12. Use a pry bar between the lower control arm and frame. Do not pry on halfshaft as damage may result. While prying down, roll strut base out of knuckle. Once removed, wire hub rotor up to prevent halfshaft from moving outboard.






13. Press halfshaft from wheel hub as outlined. Wire halfshaft to body to maintain a level position.

14. Remove front wheel knuckle from the front shock absorber.






15. Place assembly on a bench. While using a pry bar to steady assembly, remove the three retaining bolts.






16. Remove wheel hub from front wheel knuckle by prying between retainer and front wheel knuckle. Use of a slide hammer will damage bearing.

17. Remove front disc brake rotor shield, if damaged.

Installation

1. Install front disc brake rotor shield using new rivets and Heavy Duty Riveter D8OL-23200-A or equivalent.

2. Position wheel hub into front wheel knuckle. Install three retaining bolts, tighten to 83-107 Nm (61-78 lb-ft).

3. Install front wheel knuckle onto front shock absorber and loosely install a new pinch bolt in front wheel knuckle to retain front shock absorber.

4. Install front wheel knuckle and wheel hub on halfshaft.

5. Slowly guide lower ball joint into front suspension lower arm.

6. Install lower ball joint nut. Tighten to 68-92 Nm (50-67 lb-ft).

7. Tighten knuckle-to-shock absorber pinch bolt and nut to 98-132 Nm (72-97 lb-ft).

8. Position tie rod end into front wheel knuckle, install a new slotted nut and tighten. If necessary, advance nut to align slot and install a new cotter pin. Tighten to 47-63 Nm (35-46 lb-ft).

9. CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to tighten nut, or bearing and seal damage will result. Install nut using hex hold feature to prevent the stud from rotating.

Install stabilizer bar link to front shock absorber and install a new nut. Tighten to 77-103 Nm (57-75 lb-ft).

10. Install the front anti-lock sensor and tighten the bolt to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).

11. Install front disc brake rotor and disc brake caliper. Tighten caliper anchor bracket bolts to 88-118 Nm (65-87 lb-ft).

12. Install wheel hub retaining nut. Tighten to 230-275 Nm (170-202 lb-ft).

13. Install tire and wheel.

14. Lower vehicle.

15. Pump brake pedal prior to moving vehicle to position brake linings.